ERRINUNDRA NATIONAL PARK (39,870 hectares)

Park overview Extending from Mt Ellery across the Errinundra Plateau to the Coast Range, Mt Errinundra National Park protects 's largest stands of rainforest, encompassing both ancient cool temperate and warm temperate rainforests. The park contains three granite outcrops, Mt Ellery, Mt Morris and Cobbs Hill and also features old growth eucalypt forest, arboreal fauna and undisturbed catchments. The park is largely surrounded by state forest, joining the Snowy River National Park in the north and with a few small sections abutting private land.

Park location and access The park is located in East , approximately 373 km east of . The park can be accessed from the west via the Bonang Road, Gap Road or Gunmark Road and from the south via Errinundra Road. Gateway towns include Club Terrace to the south of the park and Bonang to the north of the Park. A network of unsealed roads provide access within the park of which many are seasonally closed.

Conservation attributes Significant features of the Errinundra are the undisturbed natural catchment areas, the rivers and streams, including two heritage rivers, Goolengook and the Errinundra River. There are also three reference areas.

There are 16 threatened animal species identified within the park and 25 rare or threatened plant species and a further 59 species that are identified as significant plant species within the park.

The majority of vegetation in the park is Wet Forest dominated by Errinundra Shining Gum or Cut-tail along the Errinundra Plateau and Coast Range respectively. There are significant areas of Damp Forest and Shrubby Dry Forest in the Brodribb catchment, and Tableland Damp Forest in the East Delegate catchment. Cool Temperate Rainforest is unique to and widespread throughout the park, it is dominated by Southern Sassafras and Black Olive Berry and features Mountain Plum Pines, some specimens of which are over 400 years old. Large parts of the park are old-growth forest. The absence of fire from large areas of the Errinundra Plateau, possibly for over 150-160 years, has resulted in forests which are relics of pre-European fire regimes. The forests feature the largest understory in the state.

Approximately 96% of the park is zoned for Conservation to protect sensitive natural environments and provide for minimal impact recreation activities and simple visitor facilities subject to ensuring minimal interference with natural processes.

Blackberries are a problematic invasive species in the park and the Armillaria Root Rot is a pathogen that has been recorded in the plateau. There is a high potential for soil erosion in the park river banks which are vulnerable to disturbance from walkers and campers. High rainfall means that siltation resulting from road and earthworks can have an impact on streams.

Recreation use The park mainly caters for day visitors, with several picnic sites located throughout the park. There a numerous walking tracks, including the Errinundra Rainforest Boardwalk, a lookout at Mt Ellery and scenic drives including the Baldwin Spence Trail. Camping is located at Frosty Hollow within the park, and there are also areas in the adjacent state forests available for camping. Fishing is permitted in some areas within the park.

History Through their cultural traditions, the Bidawal and Nindi-Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero identify the Errinundra National Park as their Traditional Country. The Errinundra Plateau was an important meeting place for local Aboriginal tribes.

European history is evident in the park through mine shafts, fences and machinery used for grazing, mining and timber harvesting.